Ratings:

Ray – 9/10

Corrina: Different. But Good.

Ray: G. Willow Wilson’s Ms. Marvelhas become one of the most popular new Marvel titles of recent years, but when the first issue came out…I actually didn’t love it. A lot of the characters seemed overly broad and it didn’t hook me immediately. But every issue was better than the one before it, and it deserves every bit of the success it’s gotten.

Wilson’s Marvel work after that didn’t reach the same heights as her signature title, which might explain why she’s now at DC giving Wonder Woman its first A-list creative team since the character’s hit movie. With Wonder Woman #58, Wilson hasn’t hooked me quite the same way Rucka’s did from minute one, but the potential is definitely here for something great. The story begins on Themyscira, as Ares and Grail – the island’s two most high-value prisoners – are sharing an enchanted cell. Ares baits Grail into killing him, and that triggers the self-destruction of the cell – and possibly the island. Far away from the chaos, Wonder Woman enjoys an idyllic early morning with Steve Trevor – only to wake up and discover that the reality is anything but.

After Diana’s surprisingly realistic vision of her morning with Steve – which shows Wilson has a great grasp of that relationship – Diana gets woken up by a phone call from Etta Candy. It seems Steve has gone missing behind enemy lines on a mission into a US ally dealing with a civil war. As Diana heads abroad, it’s clear that Wilson intends to use this run to comment on a lot of the thornier elements of US foreign policy. The nation of Durovnia is a European nation close to lots of ancient Greek artifacts, and it’s got a stable but ruthless government that’s a US ally while brutally repressing an independence movement within its borders. Steve was sent in to assist the government, but he may have been caught by the mysterious new warlord running the resistance. As Diana battles her way through the fog of war – and winds up having to protect children caught in the middle – a trio of mysterious mythical creatures enters the fray and Diana eventually comes face to face with this mysterious leader – a reformed Ares. It’s only been one issue, but Wilson has introduced elements from across Wonder Woman continuity and set up a fascinating mystery.

Wonder Woman may have its first great run in years.

Trouble on Themyscira. Via DC Comics.

Corrina: That’s not fair, Ray, to say Wilson is on Wonder Woman because her other work at Marvel wasn’t up to the level of Ms. Marvel. That’s mind-reading, one, and, hey, if I were to interpret mind-reading, it would be that Wilson jumped at the chance to write Wonder Woman, the most iconic female superhero ever. It’s hard to not believe she wouldn’t want this opportunity.

Cary Nord was an interesting choice on art. I’ve enjoyed his work on Conan the Barbarian, and given that title’s mythical roots, I expected him to shine on Wonder Woman. He does best with the mythical creatures, as expected, especially the creepy sequence where the children go back and talk to their new “friends.” His style with Wonder Woman herself is less majestic and grittier but, so far, that suits Wilson’s war-torn story.

We all, as readers, knew that Ares wouldn’t stay trapped or gone forever. I was wincing thinking of the many ridiculous ways that DC could bring Ares back (look at what they’ve done to Donna Troy), but this is a near-perfect reappearance of Ares, one with a fresh start, with his intentions uncertain, and with the question of whether he can help the world or destroy it. I also loved what Wilson did with Steve and Diana’s relationship, though for a minute I worried that Steve was going to be truly dead. But Steve’s human viewpoint of the gods, particularly the god of war, should be an interesting perspective, especially given how Ares and his creatures seem to have connected to children in this hostile country.

It’s an excellent and intriguing start for Wilson, with a style that’s all her own. I’m excited for where it’s going.

Related

Ray Goldfield is a comics superfan going back almost thirty years. When he's not reading way too many comics a week, he is working on his own writing. The first installment in his young adult fantasy-adventure, "Alex Actonn, Son of Two Seas", is available in Amazon now.

Support GeekDad

If you don’t want to create a Patreon account to support GeekDad, you can do so here! You can choose to make your contribution reoccurring or single.

5

Backers

$38.00

raised

Choose An Amount

$ Make this donation

$1.00

For every person who supports us at the $1 a month level, we'll add your name to the patrons list on our blog and give you the thanks you deserve!

$2.50

You are an awesome patron, and you're going above the call of duty. We'll put your name on the patron rolls, and if you drop us your Twitter handle, you'll get a shout-out!

$5.00

You'll be recognized as a Golden Patron, with a special call-out on our siderail, and invitations to any GeekDad events in your area. Drop us your Twitter handle, and we'll send you a shout-out.

$10.00

You are an Associate Publisher on the blog, and get your name specially featured in the Masthead. Send us your Twitter handle and you'll get a huge thanks and a follow!

$20.00

You're a Platinum Patron! You are an amazing supportive person, and we love you! You're name goes on the Masthead, and we'll follow you on Twitter and thank you so much.!

None

Advertisements

About GeekDad

GeekDad® is a parenting, technology, and culture blog staffed by a diverse team of contributors, working together to inform, educate, and entertain parents everywhere who have a geeky nature and want to raise their kids the same way.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here:
Cookie Policy